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Who We Are
The Community Renaissance, Inc. (CRI) was formed in 2005 as
an organization dedicated to the revitalization, restoration and
economic development of downtown Spencer. At this time, CRI
operates as a project of Owen County Preservations, Inc. in
cooperation with the Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana.
CRI has applied for non-profit status in the State of Indiana and
hopes to have our tax-exempt status within 180 days.
The Tivoli Theater is an important component to Spencer's
downtown renaissance. The 311-seat theater, which opened on
New Year's Eve in 1928 was built by E.M Viquesney, and
designed by Architect Horam Callander, Jr. The Tivoli Theater
enjoyed billing as "the finest thing of its kind" during its
prominence, but faced a sharp decline following an arson fire
that gutted a large portion of the building in 1985. The Tivoli
closed its doors in 1999 and has remained dark since that time.
What We Do
Community Renaissance, Inc. will purchase the Tivoli Theater
on Tuesday, February 28th at 1 PM. The first task will be to
stabilize the building against the weather followed by a strategic
planning process that will include the members of Spencer and
Owen County. During this period, CRI intends to establish a
community arts initiative that can provide an economic
development and cultural hub for downtown Spencer.
CRI has updated the original feasibility study executed in July
2000 by Preservation Development, Inc. This study details the
transformation of the Tivoli Theater into an arts facility with
diverse community involvement and a completely restored
performance space. The focused restoration of the Tivoli will
hopefully provide the catalyst to beget additional downtown
investment and revitalization by both private business and
non-profit sector companies.
How We Are To Do It
Community Renaissance, Inc. has applied for non-profit
certification (501c3 status) from the State of Indiana. During the
review period, CRI will operate as a project of Owen County
Preservations, Inc.
Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana has identified
emergency funding for this project to prevent the demolition of
the building. This funding will allow CRI to purchase the
theater, stabilize the building and do a comprehensive analysis
of the non-profit theater market to ensure long term viability.
Upon receiving non-profit certification from the state, CRI will
work with Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana to refund
the emergency loan. This reimbursement will be for the
emergency funding provided to prevent the theater's demolition.
Tivoli Theater
